Storing a bicycle on the staircase landing between floors is a direct violation of the law. It doesn't matter if it's against the wall or under the stairs, whether it obstructs the passage, or how much free space you have. Russian legislation unambiguously prohibits storing personal items in common areas of multi-apartment buildings. This rule applies to bicycles, strollers, scooters, and even shoes left at the door.

Why is storing a bicycle in the elevator strictly prohibited

The answer is simple and harsh: it's a matter of safety. Fire safety rules unambiguously prohibit placing personal items on staircase landings, corridors, vestibules, and under staircase ramps. The staircase cell is an evacuation route. In the event of a fire, a bicycle becomes an insurmountable obstacle. It blocks the passage, hinders people from escaping from the smoke-filled elevator, and complicates the work of firefighters. Moreover, the tires and plastic of a bicycle ignite quickly, and it becomes a source of danger.

The Housing Code of the Russian Federation also considers staircase landings, corridors, and vestibules to be common property[reference:3]. The use of common property must be carried out by agreement of all owners. You cannot occupy common space at your own discretion, even if it is empty.

What penalties are imposed on violators

Administrative liability is provided for storing a bicycle in the elevator under Article 20.4 of the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation «Violation of fire safety requirements».

The fines are as follows:

• For individuals (physical persons) — a warning or a fine from 5,000 to 15,000 rubles.
• For officials — from 20,000 to 30,000 rubles.
• For individual entrepreneurs — from 40,000 to 60,000 rubles.
• For legal entities (management companies) — from 300,000 to 400,000 rubles.

If your belongings cause a fire or hinder evacuation, the punishment may be more severe — up to criminal liability.

What to do if neighbors violate

If you encounter a situation where someone systematically stores items in the elevator, you can act step by step:

• First, try to talk to your neighbor. Perhaps they are not aware of the ban.
• If the conversation does not help, submit a written complaint to the management company. It is required to check the fact of the violation and issue a directive.
• If the management company does not take action, file a complaint with the housing inspection.
• In case this does not help, you can turn to the MЧS or the police.

Where and where not to store a bicycle

Legally storing a bicycle is only allowed:

• In your apartment.
• On a glazed balcony (if it is not cluttered and does not obstruct evacuation).
• In a specially equipped storage room (storage room, baby carriage room)[reference:17].
• In an individual underground storage box, if available.

Storing on staircase landings, vestibules, corridors, under stairs is prohibited.

Attention: even if you have a resolution of the general meeting of owners on storing items in the elevator, it cannot cancel the requirements of fire safety. Such a resolution will be illegal.

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